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Seton Hall Tops Georgetown in Defensive Struggle

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ — After a gut-wrenching loss to DePaul earlier in the week, Seton Hall responded in a big way Saturday against Georgetown, grinding out a much-needed 51–47 victory. In a physical, defense-first battle where both teams shot under 32% from the field, clean looks were hard to come by and every possession carried weight. The Pirates leaned into the toughness of the game, tightening up defensively and doing just enough offensively down the stretch to secure a gritty win that keeps them moving forward.

The difference-maker in this game was freshman big man Najai Hines, who recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds to secure his third collegiate double-double. Hines was a force in the paint, consistently playing above the rim and finishing through contact, converting multiple and-one opportunities. Beyond his scoring, he made a major impact on the glass, pulling down five offensive rebounds that generated crucial second-chance points in a game where every basket mattered.

Hines was just as influential defensively, finishing with five blocks and two steals. He did an excellent job reading Hoya attackers, timing their shot attempts, and swatting them with authority. His most important contribution, however, won’t appear in the box score. On Georgetown’s final possession, Vince Iwuchukwu caught the inbound and tried to drive past Hines, but Hines stayed disciplined and kept him in front. That containment allowed Elijah Fisher to dig down, disrupt the play, and create a loose ball that ultimately sealed the Pirates’ victory.

The biggest factor in tonight’s win was Seton Hall’s team defense. The Pirates limited clean looks all night, and even when Georgetown found open shots, they struggled to capitalize. Seton Hall had active hands and high energy from start to finish, contesting nearly every attempt and making life uncomfortable for opposing shooters.

They finished with nine total blocks, including a few impressive swats out near the three-point line, showcasing their versatility and effort on closeouts. Their activity extended into the passing lanes as well, consistently disrupting offensive flow. Budd Clark led the way with three steals, while AJ Staton-McCray and Hines each chipped in two, highlighting a collective defensive effort that ultimately set the tone for the game.

With the win, Seton Hall regains some momentum as it prepares for a major test next Saturday on the road against the UConn Huskies. A trip to Storrs presents a significant challenge, but if the Pirates can replicate the defensive intensity and physicality they displayed against Georgetown, they will give themselves a chance to compete. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Hoyas return home looking to bounce back when they host the Marquette Golden Eagles on Tuesday. As conference play tightens, every game grows in importance, and both programs will be eager to build on—or respond to—the lessons learned in this defensive battle.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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DePaul Hurts Seton Hall’s Tournament Hopes

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ — With Seton Hall’s season hanging in the balance, the Pirates understood the importance of protecting their home floor to keep their tournament hopes alive. However, Tuesday night’s loss to DePaul in Newark delivered a significant blow to their at-large aspirations. The Blue Demons controlled the game from start to finish, outplaying the Pirates in nearly every facet. DePaul combined tenacious defense with a well-structured offensive approach, matching Seton Hall’s physicality and refusing to be pushed around. Down the stretch, the Blue Demons forced multiple key turnovers, sealing momentum and ultimately securing a 69–57 victory.

Two major factors in DePaul’s win were NJ Benson and CJ Gunn, who combined for 39 points and consistently applied pressure on the Pirates. Benson led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds, imposing his will in the paint. He played through contact, backing down Seton Hall’s big men and either drawing fouls by getting them off their feet or converting tough, contested finishes around the rim. Benson also attacked the offensive glass with purpose, generating multiple second-chance opportunities that kept DePaul in control.

Gunn added 18 points and seven rebounds, showcasing impressive shot creation and confident shot-making. The smooth shooter was relentless off the ball, sprinting off screens and using constant movement to create separation. His activity eventually led to clean looks, and he capitalized, delivering timely buckets that helped maintain the Blue Demons’ momentum throughout the game.

Once again, Budd Clark paced the Pirates, finishing with 19 points and five assists. He consistently found his way to his patented midrange jumper, knocking down difficult shots off ball screens—especially when DePaul’s bigs switched onto him. In the first half, Clark was particularly effective as a playmaker, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, that same level of facilitation didn’t carry over into the second half, which proved costly as the Pirates searched for rhythm offensively.

Turnovers also became a key issue. Clark finished with five giveaways, including several ball-security lapses in the final four minutes that stripped Seton Hall of valuable possessions. Those mistakes halted momentum and made an already challenging comeback attempt feel even more out of reach.

Another element that cannot go unnoticed was the impressive X’s and O’s execution from the DePaul coaching staff. Time and time again, the Blue Demons came out of timeouts with well-designed ATO sets that had the Pirates scrambling defensively, often resulting in clean, uncontested scoring opportunities. Chris Holtmann and his staff have taken on the difficult challenge of revitalizing a historically struggling program, and the early signs are promising. With Holtmann at the helm, DePaul appears far more structured and disciplined, and they project to be a difficult opponent as long as he is leading the program.

Looking ahead, the urgency only increases for the Seton Hall Pirates, who return home Saturday for a pivotal matchup against Georgetown. With their tournament hopes still within reach, protecting home court is no longer optional — it’s essential. A strong response will be needed to regain momentum and restore confidence after Wednesday’s setback. Meanwhile, DePaul will aim to build on their statement win when they host the Providence Friars. If the Blue Demons replicate the same defensive intensity and disciplined execution they displayed in Newark, they’ll have a strong opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and further solidify themselves as a team capable of making noise down the stretch.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Clark Leads Seton Hall Past Providence

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – After suffering a heartbreaking last-second loss in Omaha to Creighton, Seton Hall returned home in need of a response—and delivered with an 87–80 come-from-behind victory over Providence. The Pirates showed resilience after falling behind early, gradually settling into the game and imposing their identity on both ends of the floor. Stifling defense, improved ball security, and timely execution swung the momentum in their favor as the game wore on. Leading the charge was point guard Budd Clark, whose steady presence and playmaking helped anchor a performance that reflected both urgency and composure from a team looking to get back on track.

Budd Clark once again delivered an elite performance, propelling the Pirates to a much-needed victory. He finished with 31 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting from the field, including 1-of-2 from three-point range, while adding eight assists, five steals, and just one turnover. Clark controlled the tempo throughout the game, navigating the offense with poise and refusing to force contested looks. Instead, he consistently took what the defense gave him and capitalized time and time again. Over his last five games, Clark is averaging 22.4 points and has played with the urgency and edge this Pirates team has been yearning for, elevating both his individual production and the team’s overall execution.

Senior guard Jaylin Sellers was the driving force behind Providence’s ability to stay within striking distance throughout the game. The left-hander delivered an outstanding performance, pouring in 23 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Sellers consistently made tough, momentum-shifting shots, whether off the catch or off the dribble. He showcased impressive quickness attacking downhill and used his strength to absorb contact and finish through traffic at the rim. No matter which defender the Pirates assigned to him, Sellers found ways to create space and generate quality looks. He also capitalized on Seton Hall’s late contests from three-point range, punishing defensive breakdowns and keeping the Friars competitive deep into the second half.

Once again, defense defined the Pirates’ performance. Seton Hall forced 18 turnovers while committing just five of its own, a disparity that proved decisive. The Pirates showed active hands throughout the night, consistently disrupting passing lanes and making Providence hesitant in its drive-and-kick actions. With defenders swarming and rotating aggressively, the Friars often looked unsettled, aware that help was lurking nearby.

Seton Hall applied full-court pressure on nearly every possession, refusing to let up. That relentless approach created chaos, even on inbounds plays, where the Pirates forced multiple five-second violations. The sustained ball pressure set the tone and fueled transition opportunities on the other end.

The primary concern, however, remains perimeter defense. The Pirates surrendered 14 three-pointers, with Providence shooting 41% from beyond the arc—numbers that can make it extremely difficult to overcome deficits against high-level competition. Too often, Seton Hall defenders stayed low on contests or arrived late, challenging shots only after the ball was already at its release point.

The win provided Seton Hall with the type of response it needed, reinforcing the team’s defensive identity while showcasing the star-level impact of Budd Clark. If the Pirates can continue to value possessions and clean up their perimeter closeouts, they will position themselves well heading into a critical stretch of conference play. Their next test comes Sunday on the road at Butler, where sustaining their defensive pressure will be key. Providence, meanwhile, will look to regroup and shore up its ball security as it returns home Saturday for a matchup against St. John’s.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Strong Second Half Propels Seton Hall Past Marquette

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – Coming off an impressive come-from-behind win against Xavier, Seton Hall looked to carry that momentum into their matchup with Marquette. However, they once again stumbled out of the gate, facing an eight-point deficit at halftime. The Pirates responded with a dominant defensive effort in the second half, holding Marquette to just 23 points. That surge fueled a 69–64 victory, led by strong point guard play from Budd Clark.

Over the past two games, Clark has fully embraced the role of the “IT factor” for this Pirates team, and he delivered once again. He finished with 19 points and six assists while committing just one turnover, numbers that only begin to capture how impressive his ball-handling was throughout the game. Coach Holloway ran a variety of actions designed to get Clark to his preferred spots, and he capitalized, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor. Beyond scoring, Clark effectively facilitated the offense, consistently creating high-quality looks for his teammates. His ball security stood out as well. For the Pirates to remain in NCAA Tournament bubble contention, Clark will need to continue providing steady production on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles showcased a special talent at point guard in Nigel James Jr. The freshman from New York has fully embraced his role and continues to impress. James finished with 16 points, consistently getting into the paint and finishing through traffic. He showed no hesitation rising up over the Pirates’ bigs and converting at the rim. From beyond the arc, James was a perfect 2-for-2, knocking down the limited open looks that Seton Hall allowed. The lone blemish on his performance came in the turnover department, as the Pirates forced him into six turnovers. Once James penetrated, Seton Hall’s bigs collapsed effectively, leading to errant passes—several of which sailed out of bounds.

Playing from behind once again defined this Pirates squad, but it was their defensive intensity in the second half that ultimately turned the game in their favor. After a sluggish opening half, Seton Hall locked in defensively, forcing a total of 16 turnovers and denying Marquette any easy scoring opportunities. The Golden Eagles struggled mightily to find rhythm after the break, as Seton Hall’s pressure disrupted passing lanes and sped up their decision-making. Poor ball security and a series of poor passes proved costly for Marquette, especially once the Pirates’ defense began collapsing into the paint and rotating with purpose. Clark, Elijah Fisher, and T.J. Simpkins each recorded two steals, consistently jumping passing lanes and creating transition opportunities. The interior defense was just as impactful, with Stephon Payne and Najai Hines combining for six blocks, effectively deterring drives and altering shots at the rim. That collective defensive effort not only fueled the Pirates’ comeback but also set the tone for the remainder of the game, showcasing a team that thrives on grit, physicality, and defensive execution when it matters most.

This performance highlighted Seton Hall’s growing comfort in close, grind-it-out games, particularly when defensive stops become the priority. The Pirates’ ability to flip the script after halftime continues to define their recent stretch and underscores the importance of sustaining that edge against quality opponents. Seton Hall will have little time to celebrate as it heads to Villanova on Wednesday for another pivotal conference matchup. Marquette will look to recalibrate and address its ball security issues before returning home next Saturday to face Butler, a game that presents an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to respond and regain momentum.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Seton Hall Erupts in Second Half to Top Xavier

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – With their season teetering after a lifeless loss to DePaul, the Seton Hall Pirates entered Wednesday night knowing there was no margin for error against Xavier. What followed in the first half only heightened the sense of urgency. Florida Atlantic transfer Tre Carroll carved up the Pirates at every level, slicing into the paint and burying shots from deep, as Seton Hall had no answers. The Pirates stumbled into the locker room down 11. Then came the response.

Seton Hall erupted out of halftime, flipping the game on its head with a stunning 23–3 run. The Pirates turned up the defensive pressure, forced Xavier into mistake after mistake, and completely overwhelmed a retooled Musketeers squad that suddenly looked lost. The run ignited the Prudential Center and shifted all momentum, and from there, Seton Hall never relented. The Pirates pulled away with authority, securing an emphatic 86–68 win.

The difference-maker in Wednesday night’s win was Elon transfer TJ Simpkins, who delivered a dominant, all-around performance. Simpkins looked a step above the competition, asserting himself on both ends of the floor and proving nearly impossible to contain. He poured in a game-high 27 points and was the Pirates’ lone threat from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 8 three-point attempts.

While his offensive output marked one of the most impressive performances by a Pirate this season, Simpkins’ impact extended well beyond scoring. Defensively, he consistently put Xavier’s ball handlers in uncomfortable positions, forcing rushed decisions that often resulted in turnovers. Though much of his defensive presence didn’t fully show up in the box score, Simpkins still finished with two steals and a block, further cementing himself as a vital two-way presence for this Seton Hall squad.

Despite the loss, it cannot be overstated how impactful senior transfer Tre Carroll is for this Xavier team. Seton Hall’s disruptive defense had no answers for him in the first half, as Carroll consistently generated clean looks and controlled the offensive flow. He finished with 22 points on efficient shooting, going 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

That said, Carroll’s night was cut short by early foul trouble in the second half, which limited his minutes and significantly lowered Xavier’s offensive ceiling. With so much of the Musketeers’ offense running through him, his absence on the floor was felt immediately and proved costly as the game slipped away.

Playing alongside Simpkins’ unforgettable performance was the steady brilliance of the Pirates’ lead guard, Adam “Budd” Clark. Clark asserted himself early and often, consistently exploiting mismatches as Xavier struggled to meaningfully contest his shots. That freedom allowed him to get to his bread-and-butter midrange game—looks that are essentially automatic for the junior point guard.

Clark turned in his best scoring performance as a Pirate, finishing with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Despite his size, Clark plays much bigger than his frame, fearlessly elevating among the bigs to secure rebounds and immediately ignite the transition offense, which led to several key baskets.

Seton Hall’s success continues to hinge on Clark’s ability to control the game, and performances like display just how far he may be able to carry this group moving forward.

With TJ Simpkins and Clark combining for 51 of the Pirates’ 86 points, it would be easy to assume there wasn’t much production behind them—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Senior transfer Jacob Dar provided the exact spark Seton Hall needed. The 6-foot-7 forward, armed with a tremendous wingspan, was a constant presence all over the floor. Dar capitalized on second-chance opportunities, consistently made himself available as a pressure-release outlet, and converted when it mattered most. He finished with 10 crucial points and five rebounds.

Joining Dar in double figures was AJ Staton-McCray, who continues to work his way back toward his non-conference form. The senior guard showed he is far more than a perimeter shooter, repeatedly attacking the paint and converting high-percentage looks after slicing through the defense. Staton-McCray also made his impact felt defensively, finishing with four steals and two blocks. If he can sustain this level of play, he could be a key factor for the Pirates as Big East play rolls on.

The emphatic win gives Seton Hall a much-needed jolt of momentum as the Pirates continue to fight to keep their season alive. With renewed confidence and energy on both ends of the floor, Seton Hall will look to carry this performance into Saturday’s home matchup against Marquette, a game that could further shape their standing in the Big East race. For Xavier, the focus now shifts to regrouping and responding, as the Musketeers return home Saturday to take on DePaul in a matchup that will test their resilience after letting this one slip away.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

St. John’s Late Comeback Topples Seton Hall

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY- Last night in the mecca we had a big-time matchup between two well matched Big East rivals in St. John’s and Seton Hall and the game lived up to the hype. Seton Hall came out in the first half and caused pure chaos on the floor. They were just outworking the Johnnies and playing high level defense all half. The Pirates got good offensive production from the duo of Staton-McCray and Simpkins who had 22 of 38 Seton Hall points. The standout player in the first half though was Stephon Payne II as he was dominant with a near double-double of 9 points and 8 rebounds. St. John’s had trouble all half offensively but what kept them in the game was the play of Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Zuby Ejiofor who had 24 of their 32 total points. Seton Hall would go into the locker room leading 38-32 and the score was much closer than it actually felt watching it play out on the floor.

When the second half began Seton Hall would go on to continue their physical and defensive dominance going on a 9-0 run to start the half. The Pirates held the Red Storm scoreless for the first 4:30 of the half and took a 47-32 lead. Unfortunately for Seton Hall that was the end of what was a fun night for them up to this point. St. John’s would go on a huge 33-13 run to close the game out all with their leader Zuby Ejiofor being off the floor with foul trouble. The Red Storm dominated the glass and clamped down the Pirates flipping the script in big time fashion. Mitchell would finish the night with a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with his game high 17 points. Meanwhile an underrated aspect of this half would be the two-way impact of Dylan Darling. His ball pressure was elite on Seton Hall’s guards and he did a great job keeping the team steady offensively while also scoring some key buckets. St. John’s would complete the comeback over Seton Hall with a 65-60 final score to win their fifth straight game and improve to 7-1 in conference play.

Dillon Mitchell may not be the first name you think of when it comes to this Red Storm team but he’s a big piece that was added to this roster over the summer and last night showed you why. Mitchell can be a two-way force at times and plays with a physicality that is fun to watch. Offensively he is a very good finisher around the rim and can finish with both force or finesse depending on what’s needed. Mitchell is also a legitimate transition threat. He can grab a rebound and go coast to coast with good ball handling out of the forward spot and finish at the basket. He does needs to improve on his perimeter shooting and also develop more consistency going to the right side of the floor though. Defensively he can move well and provides versatility with his defensive impact. Mitchell will also hit the glass and be a force to deal with for opposing matchups with his high motor. 

Although Seton Hall got higher point scoring games out of A.J Staton-McCray and Taijuan Simpkins I thought the most impactful Pirate tonight was easily Stephon Payne II. Payne was solid on both ends of the floor. He provided toughness in this game and was super active on the boards while giving them some much needed rim protection as well. On the offensive end his rebounding continued to be a key as he grabbed 8 offensive rebounds vs a tough St. John’s frontcourt. Much of those rebounds led to second chance points from Payne. He played with great energy and was the main reason for Seton Hall’s great start to this game.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Butler Gets Upset Win at Seton Hall

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – Entering Saturday afternoon’s matchup, the Butler Bulldogs were mired in a four-game losing streak and in dire need of a Big East victory to regain some momentum. They responded with a poised and disciplined performance. Led by the steady play of combo guard Finley Bizjack and efficient team free-throw shooting down the stretch, Butler was able to create just enough separation to hold off the Seton Hall Pirates, securing a 77–66 win. The victory provided a much-needed confidence boost for the Bulldogs as they looked to reset their season and reestablish themselves in conference play.

Junior guard Bizjack was outstanding today, finishing with a game-high 25 points as the Pirates struggled to find any answers for him. Bizjack was particularly effective playing off the ball, showing a strong feel for the game by orchestrating actions that consistently put him in position for clean, open looks, which he converted with confidence. He also displayed excellent poise when attacking the heart of Seton Hall’s defense, using well-timed pump fakes to get opposing bigs off their feet and drawing multiple fouls, which he capitalized on at the free-throw line. With the ball in his hands, Bizjack was equally impressive operating out of the pick-and-roll, showing the ability to make the right read by either hitting the roller or getting all the way to the rim himself.

Playing from behind has been a recurring theme for the Pirates all season, and it proved costly once again in this matchup. Seton Hall went into the break trailing by double digits and was forced to rely on a late comeback to try to steal a win. This time, however, Butler never let up, keeping consistent pressure on the Pirates and refusing to take their foot off the gas. For the first time this season, Seton Hall’s full-court pressure failed to significantly disrupt its opponent, and the difference was evident. Butler freshman guard Azavier Robinson was particularly composed against the press, advancing the ball quickly and efficiently while consistently avoiding the coffin corner—an area the Pirates typically target for traps, turnovers, and jump-ball situations.

During non-conference play, the Pirates’ top scorer AJ Staton-McCray averaged 14.2 points per game, but that production dropped sharply once Big East play began, as he entered the day averaging just 6.8 points per contest in conference action. In need of a confidence-boosting performance, Staton-McCray delivered signs of a turnaround in this one. He finished with 17 points and played with noticeably better pace and composure. On the opening possession, head coach Shaheen Holloway ran a perfectly designed set to get him attacking downhill; although the initial attempt missed, Staton-McCray stayed with the play, secured the offensive rebound, and converted the putback. From there, he consistently applied pressure at the rim, finishing through traffic and drawing fouls, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. For Seton Hall to find consistent scoring moving forward, getting Staton-McCray back to this level of play will be essential.

Saturday’s result offered a clear snapshot of where both programs currently stand. For Butler, the win served as a much-needed reset, showing the value of disciplined execution, strong guard play, and composure late in games as they snapped their skid and regained momentum in Big East play. The Bulldogs will look to build on that performance when they return home to host DePaul on Tuesday. For Seton Hall, the loss reinforced familiar challenges—slow starts and difficulty generating consistent offense against prepared opponents—but also provided encouraging signs from Staton-McCray. The Pirates will have little time to dwell on this one, as they head across the Hudson on Tuesday for a challenging road matchup at St. John’s, where addressing those early-game lapses will be critical.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Dramatic Comeback Gets Seton Hall Past Creighton

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – With 15 minutes remaining, the Seton Hall Pirates trailed Greg McDermott’s Creighton squad by 16 points, but from that moment on, the game belonged to the Pirates. Head coach Shaheen Holloway cranked up the defensive intensity in an effort to ignite the offense, and the adjustment paid off. Seton Hall stormed back to complete a hard-fought 56–54 victory, capped by a dramatic finish in which freshman big man Najai Hines secured an offensive rebound and converted the go-ahead basket with one second remaining, drawing the foul in the process.

The calling card for the Pirates all season has been their tenacious defense, and it was on full display this afternoon. Adam “Budd” Clark’s on-ball defense stood out in particular, as he consistently stayed in front of his assignment despite navigating through multiple hard screens on each possession. His relentless pressure paid off whenever ball handlers let their guard down, as Clark was quick to strip the ball away, finishing with four steals. TJ Simpkins was another key defensive presence, doing an excellent job containing his man and forcing difficult shots. Simpkins’ impact showed up across the stat sheet as well, as he recorded two steals and two blocks to help anchor the Pirates’ defensive effort.

One of the few bright spots for Creighton in today’s loss was Miami transfer Austin Swartz, who has been on an impressive run. Swartz continued to establish himself as the Bluejays’ most reliable shot-maker, showing poise with the ball and advanced shot-creation ability. He knocked down several tough, contested three-pointers and finished with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Through four Big East games, Swartz is averaging 18.5 points per game while shooting an outstanding 46% from three on 37 attempts. It will be worth watching whether he can sustain this level of play as conference competition continues.

The Pirates’ scoring was well balanced this afternoon, a product of strong ball movement and consistently finding the open man. Seton Hall recorded 11 assists on 19 made field goals, highlighting their unselfish offensive approach. Elijah Fisher led the way with 10 points. NC State transfer Trey Parker added nine points and has flashed real potential when sharing the floor with Budd Clark, a pairing Coach Shaheen Holloway has leaned on at times.

Four additional Pirates finished with eight points apiece—Clark, AJ Staton-McCray, Najai Hines, and Josh Rivera—further illustrating the team’s depth. Dating back to Holloway’s Elite Eight run with Saint Peter’s, his teams have thrived by playing 10 deep with little drop-off, and that identity is beginning to take shape in South Orange. Down the stretch, Clark was the only starter on the floor, surrounded by rotational pieces Parker, TJ Simpkins, Rivera, and Hines, a group that played with relentless energy and was rewarded with the win.

Ultimately, Seton Hall’s comeback victory served as a testament to its defensive identity, depth, and resilience under Shaheen Holloway. The Pirates leaned on relentless pressure, timely contributions from their rotation, and poise in the game’s biggest moments to erase a 16-point deficit and secure a statement Big East win. As conference play continues, Seton Hall will look to carry this momentum on the road when it travels to Georgetown on Saturday, while Creighton will aim to regroup and respond as it heads to Villanova on Wednesday in search of a bounce-back performance.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Villanova Tops Seton Hall in Willard’s Return

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – In Kevin Willard’s return home to South Orange, his Villanova Wildcats earned a hard fought 64-56 victory that, despite the final score, was rarely in doubt. Villanova controlled the tempo from start to finish, leaning on its backcourt to dictate the flow of the game. The Wildcats’ guards consistently got to their spots, creating quality looks and breaking down a Seton Hall defense that entered the matchup as the best in the Big East. While the Pirates showed flashes of resistance, Villanova’s poise and execution proved decisive, allowing the Wildcats to maintain control and close out a convincing road win.

The difference-maker in tonight’s game was freshman Acaden Lewis. The former top-50 recruit delivered a stellar performance, consistently knocking down tough, contested shorts. As the game wore on and Lewis became the primary focus of the Pirates’ defensive game plan, he adjusted seamlessly – creating dribble penetration and, when the defense collapsed, he used his excellent court vision to find open Wildcat shooters on the perimeter. On the defensive end, Lewis allowed nothing easy. While he finished with three steals, his impact went well beyond the box score. He denied Pirate guards access to their preferred sports, forced them into difficult, contested looks, and helped initiate transition opportunities by quickly getting the ball back into his hands after defensive rebounds. Lewis finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was a complete two-way presence tonight and performances like this make him the clear frontrunner for Big East Freshman of the Year.

The key factor entering this matchup for Villanova was how its perimeter shooting would hold up against the Pirates’ defense, and the Wildcats delivered. More than 50% of Villanova’s shots came from beyond the arc, where they connected at an impressive 43% clip. James Madison transfer Bryce Lindsay knocked down three triples, while Lewis and fellow freshman Matt Hodge each added two. The reliance on the three-point shot was not unique to this game, but rather a reflection of Villanova’s season long identity, as 47% of the Wildcats’ total shot attempts this year have come from deep. How that approach translates over the grind of Big East play will be worth monitoring, because on nights when the perimeter shots aren’t falling, Villanova risks allowing games to slip out of reach quickly.

For the Pirates they will look to use this game as a learning experience. The heart of their team in point guard Adam “Budd” Clark found a seat on the bench early as he picked up his second foul in the first two minutes and the team was all out of sorts from that point forward. The team never found in rhythm looks and often found themselves deep into the shot clock and were forced to heave bad looks to avoid the violation. If there was any bright spot in this game it came from Fordham transfer Josh Rivera. Rivera never stopped fighting until the final whistle and that is what earns you minutes when playing for Shaheen Holloway. He finished the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 15 minutes of game action.

Ultimately, this matchup highlighted Villanova’s poise, perimeter shooting, and guard play, while exposing areas of growth for a young Seton Hall group still searching for consistency on the offense end of the floor. The Wildcats will look to build on this performance as they return home for a New Year’s Eve matchup against Depaul. Meanwhile, the Pirates will aim to respond and apply the lessons learned when they hit the road for another test at Marquette on Tuesday, a game that will require sharper execution, discipline, and composure from the opening tip.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Seton Hall Romps Over New Haven 

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – Seton Hall was looking to head into the Maui Invitational with a dominant, confidence-boosting win over New Haven — and they delivered exactly that. From the opening tip, Coach Shaheen Holloway orchestrated a sharp, disciplined game plan, featuring well-timed sets and cohesive ball movement that kept New Haven on its heels. Stephon Payne and TJ Simpkins played pivotal roles, providing steady production and energy that sparked runs on both ends of the floor. Their impact, combined with the team’s overall defensive intensity, allowed Seton Hall to control the pace and dictate the flow throughout the night. In the end, the Pirates’ complete team effort paved the way for a convincing 68–45 victory, sending them to Maui with momentum and a clearer sense of identity.

Stephon Payne delivered his best performance yet in a Seton Hall uniform, recording his first double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting. He was heavily featured early in the Pirates’ game plan, consistently high-pointing entry passes and finishing above the defense for easy baskets. Payne completely controlled the glass, pulling down nearly everything in his area and preventing New Haven from generating second-chance opportunities. Defensively, he anchored Seton Hall’s pick-and-roll coverage, stepping up to contain ball handlers, allowing teammates to recover, and rotating back in time to deny clean passes to the roller. From start to finish, Payne played a pivotal role in the Pirates’ dominance and was a driving force behind their convincing win.

Another major difference-maker in the Pirates’ dominant win was Elon transfer TJ Simpkins, who delivered his best performance yet in a Seton Hall uniform. In 27 highly impactful minutes, Simpkins poured in 18 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-8 from the field, including a scorching 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. From the moment he stepped on the floor, he played with complete command, taking whatever the defense gave him and punishing every lapse. He knocked down both open and heavily contested threes, attacked downhill with purpose, and showed the ability to finish through contact at the rim. On the defensive end, Simpkins continued to make his presence felt. He added a steal and a block, but his impact extended far beyond the box score. His closeouts were disciplined and disruptive, and he consistently slid his feet to stay in front of ball handlers, preventing penetration and forcing tougher shots. His energy, poise, and two-way production gave Seton Hall a significant boost whenever he was on the floor. Simpkins’ 18-point outburst was one of the clearest signs yet of how valuable he can be to this Pirates team moving forward—and fans are hopeful that this level of play becomes a staple of his impact throughout the season.

Before heading to Maui to face NC State in their first game on Monday, one area that clearly needs tightening is Seton Hall’s perimeter defense. The Pirates currently rank 326th out of 365 Division I teams in opponent three-point percentage, allowing opponents to shoot a concerning 38.1% from deep. And while New Haven finished just 29% from beyond the arc tonight, many of those attempts were uncontested or lightly challenged.

Against a high-level offensive team like NC State, those types of lapses will be punished. The Wolfpack have multiple shooters who thrive on rhythm looks and giving them clean catch-and-shoot opportunities will make coming away with a win significantly more difficult. Even on contested attempts, Seton Hall’s closeouts lacked urgency — defenders often raised a hand without elevating or fully committing to disrupting the shot. The good news for the Pirates is that this is a correctable issue, and given Shaheen Holloway’s emphasis on defensive toughness, there’s every reason to believe the staff will address it before the trip. But if Seton Hall wants to compete in Maui, cleaning up their perimeter contests will be a must.

Overall, Seton Hall’s performance against New Haven was exactly the kind of complete showing they needed before heading into one of the nation’s toughest early-season tournaments. With standout performances from Payne and Simpkins, improved ball movement, and strong interior defense, the Pirates showcased the potential of a team that is beginning to find its rhythm. Still, the upcoming matchup against NC State will demand sharper discipline on the perimeter and a full 40-minute effort. If Holloway’s group can build on the momentum from tonight while addressing their defensive lapses, Seton Hall will head into the Maui Invitational not just confident, but fully capable of making some noise on the national stage.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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